Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances included an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
